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A Wonderful Custom Giveaway!!!!!

Above - The country house of the famous French chef Michel Guerard and his wife Christine was featured in a foreign design magazine some time ago. The couple own a Relais and Chateau hotel, Les Prés d’Eugénie, whose rooms are located in over five separate and beautiful dwellings. For more information on their hotel, see HERE. Besides wonderful meals, the hotel offers cooking lessons and has a highly touted spa.

Note: I love the gravel driveway that so many French country houses have – so much better looking than the drab concrete drives we Americans cling to!!! And I love the simple landscaping – using just boxwoods – especially around the house itself.

The bedroom at the Guerards mas with traditional terra cotta tiles and French antique furniture. I love the antique Swedish stove, pictured on the left!

Of course the Guerards would have a fully functional kitchen – that stove – to DIE for!!!!!

Same room, different view: – I love how the inside of the armoire is painted. Makes me want to run home and paint the inside of my armoires. But, Ben would probably have me committed.

Close up of the house, an inspiration for PVE Design.

Because the article is written in French, it was hard for me to completely understand the story. But the pictures were enough to capture the eye and imagination of Patricia van Essche, the author of the blog PVE Design and a long time email friend of mine. Patricia is a noted artist who specializes in hand drawing charming illustrations for her clients – many whom place orders for greeting cards, notecards, or branding logos. Patricia emailed me to say that she had seen a house I would love – and just a few weeks later - I received this article of the Guerards mas, along with an original illustration of the house, framed!!!

Close up of Patricia’s original illustration of the Guerards house, taken from the magazine article. I love how Patricia perfectly captured the landscaping with the sculpted box.

Here’s a picture of Patricia’s illustration of the Guerards house – showing where I hung it in front of my bookcases. Unfortunately the glass picks up the glare in the photographs!!! I was so excited to get such a wonderful gift from Patricia! And, this wasn’t even the first time Patricia had been so generous to me. A few years ago, she created an illustration celebrating my birthday – AND she then made the illustration into notecards which I loved using!!!

Here’s a close up of her charming birthday greeting!! Patricia added so many personal details – the Texas and French flags, the design books, my two dogs, my zebra pillows, sea shells, the Texas armadillo!! – even my flower urn. She has such a great eye for detail.

The beautiful and elegant Patricia van Essche at work. I love this photograph! It looks like a painting itself.

The Giveaway:

Today, we are having a giveaway – generously donated by Patricia, pictured above at her easel. The giveaway will be one of Patricia’s custom illustrations – based on either the winner’s house or pet!!! That’s right – the winner will receive a personal, custom illustration! And the winner picks the subject matter!!!

Here is a Christmas card that Patricia did for a family – featuring six of her drawings.

Here’s another custom watercolor of an estate.

Now, in order to win this giveaway – you only need to visit Patricia’s web site and decide if you would choose either a watercolor of your house or your pet – something else. Look around at all her examples she has created for other clients to get ideas. To visit her web site, click HERE. Then, return here to my blog and leave me a comment telling me which subject you choose! If you are an anonymous poster – be sure you add your email address in case you win!!! Drawing closes this Saturday – so *hurry up!!!!!

336 comments
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I would love a watercolor for my sister to have of her house with her three young sons in the picture for a Christmas card.My sister moved into a house that was built on the property that was where I grew up. My parent's house was torn down (due to a structural issue after 100 yrs). My sister built a new house where she and her family live now.

Definitely one of my house(apartment building.) It's the first place I've lived alone and one of her drawings would be such a nice way to remember this feeling of independence. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a lovely gift!

Hello! Your blog was mentioned in a comment on a post that I wrote about discovering blogs....and now I have re-discovered you via Eddie Ross's blog! And now, also PVE! Love both your blogs! I would just adore a watercolor of my home with my little toy fox terrier peeking through the shutter doors, as she does quite often. {Would that be cheating?!} Crossing my fingers....Have a lovely day! xx P&H

WOW, thank you for introducing me to such talent. I love art..and to combine a special place with her heart and eye is special.I would definitely choose a painting of my 1930s loft. My French doormat reads, "La Maison du Bonheur", so you can see I love it.Now that would be happiness !!

WOW. Such a fantastic giveaway!!! Patricia's work is simply stunning. It's hard to decide which subject matter we'd choose. We just moved into our first home in early February, but our sweet little fur-baby, Max {he just turned five} has a very special place on our hearts. I think we'd probably land on a watercolor of our home, maybe with a little white furball sitting on the front porch, ha!

How I would love a watercolor of our current home. We are starting the build process of our next one and I already know it will be very hard to leave here. This is the home we brought both of our boys home to when they were born...it will be bittersweet. A memory like that would be forever cherished!!

i'm going to be greedy... i've already won a pet portrait from patricia last year on her site. but i'd love one of my house! patricia's drawings are beautiful. we treasure her portrait of our pixel. thanks patricia! and joni!

So hard to choose only one subject. I probably would have a watercolor of my mom's new home on the oooold family property. She's dreamed of building this home as long as I can remember, and I am so thrilled that she has finally been able to see it materialize--I would love to have it immortalized as artwork for her....

Joni-Aren't you sweet to "toot" my horn, there must be an expression in France, in the south, we say, "grease my wheel!" Summer is a verb, is a fab blog for which I did the header, of her Hampton dream home. I love reading all the comments, they fill me with such joy. Off to back up your post.Now we have to meet in person, and have a little aperitif on a patio....in a garden...in a diner, anywhere would be nice!pve

I would want a watercolor of my house, but I know my mother in law would LOVE a watercolor of her home. If I won, I would have one done for her as a surprise gift. I know she would treasure and adore it.

Thank you for this! Patricia's work is absolutely charming. You're very lucky to have her as a friend. While it may be hard to get him to sit still long enough for me to get a picture of him, I would love to see how she would illustrate my puppy Higgins. Karen

OMG, I love her watercolors!! I would definitely choose a watercolor of my cocker spaniel sitting on one of my antique chairs that I scrimped & saved to buy for my first apartment which I'm currently getting ready to move out of. :(

I would love a picture of our "new" house. We completely gutted a teardown so that we could get into the best neighborhood for our new baby boy! It was rebuilt with lots of love by my husband and dad. Such a sweet giveaway. Thanks!

What a gracious gift/giveaway! Naturally, it would have to be of my 2 much beloved miniature schnauzers, Symon and Sydney. I wasn't fortunate enough to have children but God gave me schnauzers instead.

I adore all of her home and storefront watercolors. Usually I would just die for a watercolor of my 1930's cottage (Not that it's that beautiful - but I love my house). BUT I just got the most adorable black standard poodle puppy (that I am obsessed with) - so right now I would be BEYOND excited if I had a water color of my sweet new puppy!!!

I would love to have a watercolor of my precious dog, Andy. He's been at a kennel in the country since Thanksgiving, and I miss him terribly! This would be a wonderful 3rd anniversary present for my husband.

I adore Patricia! One of my favourite places to visit. Take me out of the running, though, because she surprised me once with a marvelous painting of Edward, and I'd like to give someone else a chance to own her beautiful artwork.

Love PVE and her work! I would treasure a watercolor of our new (old) house in Lexington, KY. After being widowed for 5 years, I recently married the best guy in the world and this is our first home together!Thanks for the opportunity to win something so special ♡

I would love to have to a watercolor of my 1904 house. It was built by my granddaddy, from hand-milled lumber off our land. He and his brother built most of the homes in our community in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The house was literally falling in, but we restored "her" in 1984, and are still a work in progress. She has a personality all her own, and I find so much comfort knowing about the people who lived here in the past...this is a connection that lives on with my relatives! Thanks! Gale

I would love to have a small illustration of our tiny house in the south of France.We visit once a year,but would love it as a daily reminder in my office.A photo just isn't the same!Thank you for this opportunity.flanereuse@gmail.com

I would definitely choose the home illustration. I live in the first home I ever purchased. It was my dream since I was very young to own my own home. I scrimped and saved for it when I got my first real job. So I and am very proud of my tiny little cottage. Thanks to you both for doing such a lovely and generous giveaway!

Her work is stunning! And a house! Definitely a house! But not my house. I would want to surprise my husband with a painting of the house he grew up in. He has many fond memories of that house and his mom has a similar painting and he has always wanted one!!

I would have her do a watercolor of my toy yorkie, Bentley! I would love to have one of my home, but seeing as how we are in between homes at the moment and in a rent house, I would love one of my dog!!!!

Merci! I'd be tickled pink and every other color on Patricia's easel to win a sweet painting. If I won I'd have to flip a coin to see...painting of my little Silky Terrior Lulu, or my little yellow cottage!

Oh, I'd love her to do a watercolor of the backside of our house Joni, but I got so much going on back there -- I might be better off with the puppies. :) Thanks for this opportunity and for showing us all PVE's amazing talent!

What a lucky lady to have TWO PvE originals! And a fabulous give-away here. I would so love to have a PvE illustration of my Maine country home. Love your sweet birthday greeting- she's a treasure-for sure!

Normally I'd like a watercolor of my country house, but since my youngest daughter Molly was married last Saturday I would like a picture to remind her of her dog. A spoiled hunting dog who should be living with her young mistress, instead she lives with me, a somewhat grouchy substitute. Molly, are you certain this diva of a doggie can't live with you and your new hubby in your downtown loft apartment?????

Love all of the illustrations, but since I have a gorgeous baby boy, I would love to have him featured in one of her drawings. Thanks for the introduction to this fabulous artist! aemcneill@hotmail.com

It would be incredible to have one of Patricia's beautiful paintings! If I won, I'd ask for her to paint my in-laws' bayhouse on Mobile Bay at Point Clear, AL. It's their favorite place, their healing spot in times of illness, and where they spend the most time — often sharing the space with family and friends — from spring to fall. As the oil is on a path headed their way, I'd love to be able to share their home, as it is now, through Patricia's incredible artistry.

What a difficult choice -her work is so beautiful! I would have to choose our dog Scooter. He is a darling black Cairapoo and he would make a great subject!! What a wonderful giveaway! If I would be lucky enough to win then my email is kpollard@kc.rr.com.

Patricia is gorgeous. You are right her picture could be a painting. I loved her blog too and signed up to follow while I was there. I have a new house, so a watercolor of it would be wonderful. However my little dog, Cappi is 13 years old and my only child. I would certainly choose her over my home any day of the week.

I would love Patricia to do a watercolor of my cat, Stormy, who went to kitty heaven in March, after nearly 18 years of faithful service. Her work is so beautiful, I know she would do justice to my beloved pet.

Beautiful work -- I love the whimsical quality of her drawings. They feel so "French" to me. What would I choose? Hmmm... One of my favorite photos from our wedding album, the last one in the book, where we're smooching outside the reception hall at the end of the night. Maybe she could change the background and put us on some romantic balcony overlooking the ocean and the starry night.

I would love to have a watercolor of my grandparents home in Calif. It's a 1933 Spanish colonial and holds the best memories. I think that would be pure joy to see that done with Patricia's touch. My fingers are crossed! Nice of you to offer. Karen

I love her painting of the Statue of Liberty viewed from a boat. My 4 yr. old twins just got to visit the Statue and were so excited about it. That picture just captures what our ancestors must have felt as they approached her for the first time.

This is the best give away ever!!! I adore PVE's work. I have been trying to save up and then get her to do a watercolor of my house. It would be so exciting to win...Thanks for a fantastic opportunity.

I have always loved the illustration she did for you - I can't believe she is giving one away! I would have to do our home. Thank you for your inspiration and for thinking of your followers. Blessings-Camplkidz

Love her work and LOVE your blog!!!! I would love a watercolor of my three dogs in front of our house. My husband and I are expecting our first child after 12 wonderful years of marriage and we would love to have something to cherish of his first home and his fur brother and sisters! Thanks!

Wow, what an amazing give away. I have always wanted a painting of my dearly departed dog, Kali. I have a great photo that would be the perfect subject photo. A painting of a room would be really cool, too. I love Patricia's cute little dog closeup. (lisa_dillman@bellsouth.net)

the chateau she did for you Joni is divine. I have to say, I typically bow out of wonderful give aways-since I am blogging ,reading everything- but I can not resist this one!!!!(and I never use more than one!),Not to mention she was THE first blogger to visit my own and did THE most wonderful portrait of my Moses and one of the Moses and Me. I treasure both and the camaraderie she extended-quite a talent and lady. I want a rendering of my Living room- Can not WAIT to get it!!!(!) pgt

I would love a watercolor of the New Orleans style home that my husband and I are moving into this weekend. We just got married in October and it is our first home together. We are so excited! Your blog has given me some great ideas. Thank you!!ashleydavis79@gmail.com

DEFINITELY a painting of my three trouble makers - Shelby, Izzie and Sophie, my three schnauzers. I have one of Shelby when she was an "only child" but the other two (newer) siblings are beginning to grumble.

What a darling give away. I have just moved and nothing would be more delightful then to have a watercolor of my home, to remind me of the cherished memories that happen in a home and the joy to come. Beth

I just adore your blog, Joni. Each morning, I wake up to my cup of coffee eagerly awaiting a new pusblished post from you. Each is always beyond fab. I would just LOVE a watercolor of my 5 year old boy with his puppy, a coton de tulear. Patricia, what a treasure each of your pieces are. All so beautiful and each tell a story. I'm in love!

I LOVE her work! When I was reading this post I was thinking it would be lovely to have a watercolor done of my home and then (!!!) it was though you and PVE read my mind and hosted this giveaway! Thank you for the chance to win! Since we just put our house up for sale, I would LOVE to have a painting of our home. We have made so many memories here and brought home from the hospital three of our five children...thanks again!sherryinfo@thesouthernbaby.com

Oooh me me me! I have her marked in my favorites already because I have been contemplating having her do my 3 girls on our front porch steps to give to their Daddy. He works so hard keeping the exterior of our home beautiful - and he is the only man in the house - so that would be a fabulous gift for him!

I would love a watercolor of our new house. We just moved a couple months ago and have just recently done some work on the front of the house and what a treat it would be to have it memorialized in a painting!

I'm a big fan of hers! I would definitely want a watercolor of my kids eating dumplings outside a dumpling shop in China. We're expats in Shanghai and will be moving back permanently soon. It would be the perfect memory for our home in the States. sarahcnorman@hotmail.com

Long an admirer of Patricia's work - I would love to have her capture our beloved Jack Russell, who loves to sit with my husband in his study in the wing chair looking out the window - ever on the alert for deer, squirrels, or anything else of interest to her. I know that Patricia would capture the very essence of her personality.

Thank you both for your wonderful blogs and for the fabulous giveaway!

What a wonderful giveaway! I came across her artwork a few months ago- love it! Especially that she is a UC grad- my son is there. I would have a hard time choosing between a piece featuring my fiesty dog, Merry (she is SO cute, like a slightly bigger Toto) or the beautiful building my shop is located in. It is a 1832 2 story stone building in Centerville, Ohio and it would be the most divine subject matter. www.vintagescout.com

A watercolor of our country french home that we built with love for our family, would be something to treasure. Something so beautiful and meaningful to pass down to our daughters, would be a gift that you can not put a price tag on. Winning a watercolor from the talented and gifted Patricia to hang in our home would be thrilling! Thank you Patricia and Joni for all your inspiration and the chance to win a giveaway such as this.

I would love a watercolor of my sister's home in Seabrook, TX. They are having to put it on the amrket and move to St. Louis because of her husband's job transfer. Their only child, turning 4 soon, was born in Houston and will not likely remember this house since she is so young. It would be such a special gift for them.

Ideally I would love an illustration of our home with our two precious pups in front! My husband and I bought our first house last summer and it would be so neat to have such a beautiful drawing to always remember our special 1952 home where we have made many of first memories. If I were to only choose one, I would go with the house.

I was fascinated by all of Patricia's drawings and watercolors...I especially loved the one of the party people. But if I won, I'd love a watercolor of our house...where I recently redesigned our front yard and incorporated a gravel driveway, replacing an old cracked asphalt drive...using local limestone block as the edging. The sound of cars driving on gravel is delightful.

Another great blog! I love the illustration of the Guerard house Patricia sent you, and the Texas/French birthday greeting is priceless. It's these treasures that must show you how you touch others with all the work you do and your big heart. She's such a talented lady and as her web site says captures the soul of everyone. It's these meaningful objects in our homes that really make us happy. I would love an illustration of my gazebo with my daughter, son-in law and grandchildren in it, and their dog and my cat. That's where my soul is.Janice (jmcguire@midcoast.com)

I just love her watercolors and drawings...they are socharming and natural. I am certain that she could doa perfect rendition of my little Three Bears Cottageon an island off the Maine coast. My two Westieswould love to pose in front of the door!

Thank you for highlighting such a talent! We moved from AZ to Houston 1 year ago and live in our first Colonial style house. I would love to mark this first with a water color (maybe with our black Lab in the painting as well). Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!

Fabulous giveaway, Joni! I save all of the J. McLaughlin postcards--now I know that Patricia is the illustrator--just love her style. I would adore a "winter holiday" Patricia-version of our home! Thank you so much for all of the time and energy that goes into these giveaways!

That is talent!!! I paint a little bit, but watercolors are not my forte! I admire anyone who can paint like that! It is a huge toss up for me whether to have my dogs painted or my house.... but I think I would love to see my home painted. Thank you for the generous giveaway!`Boetgirl@hotmail.com

Thank you for opening my eyes to another luscious blog! I would love a watercolor of my house. We have just bought the lot next door which we are splitting with our sweet neighbors and designing a wall and gate for a new garden. So lucky to have a bit more land on our postage sized Dallas lot.

Just an aside, I was up to the wee hours reading your 2009 post on Oliver Messel and Messel green. We are retuning to the grounds of Leamington House and Pavillion for our 9th summer. It is more lovely than in Photos. You should visit. Actually after such a great blog posting they should invite you!!!!

I've always loved her work.I'm actually in the process of having our house painted by Fifi Flowers, so I would choose the PET illustration. Plus we adore our sweet dog Dylan and would LOVE to have a painting of him!!Thx Joni for organizing a fun giveaway.....

I have just discovered your blog, and I am having so much fun reading! I grew up in Houston and now live in Austin. We are now retired and spend the summers in Idaho near Yellowstone Park. I would LOVE a watercolor of our house there.

How can i type my excitement over this giveaway?!! I don't think I can. I just found PVE and Love LOVE love her work!! If I was the lucky winner... it would be so hard to choose but I would love to have a watercolor done of my parents log home and garden for their anniversary. I think that would be a wonderful surprise! Thank you, Londen

She certainly is talented and has a flare and whimsy that is delightful! I would relish having a illustration of our home. I love your blog and your wonderful personality that shines through every post!dixiedeb54@comcast.net

So much fun! We would love for Patricia to create a watercolor memory of bringing our first family puppy - a goldendoodle - home this summer. We've been waiting a long time - our children have names and puppy gear waiting! Thanks so much for all the inspiration - I love your blog and all the great photos!

Such beautiful work! And, a lovely way to honor a home with meaning . . . I would definitely choose a watercolor of our current home . . . where we've celebrated 10 yrs of marriage and welcomed two children to our family. Thanks for a very special giveaway, Joni!

The Guerard home is to die for! All the simple and earth-friendly landscape elements you pointed out will hopefully take hold here in the states.

I guess I would choose a portrait of my pets, an English Springer Spaniel(yep, me too!) and an American Eskie. The Springer we've had as a pup and he's 14 years old and the Eskie I rescued from a nearby street, he's(we surmise)11 years old, so I won't have them much longer I fear.